Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Role: Human Resources Manager

Reports To: Vice President / General Manager Bird-Johnson Propeller Company

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Human Resources Manager to join our team in an important leadership role. As an active business partner, you will oversee all aspects of human resources within a high-performing, non-union marine manufacturing environment. Supporting both salaried and hourly employees, this role is instrumental in driving HR excellence and fostering a positive work culture at our Walpole, MA location. Our company proudly delivers superior products to the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard.

The Human Resources Manager will report directly to the site leader, Vice President / General Manager, and maintain a dotted-line reporting relationship with the Division’s Director of Human Resources. In this role, you will also collaborate closely with the Human Resources Generalist at our Foundry location in Pascagoula, MS, ensuring alignment and consistency across locations.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition:

Lead the full-cycle recruitment process, including job postings, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding
Partner with department leaders to identify current and future staffing needs and implement effective workforce planning strategies
Develop and execute innovative recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent
Develop and foster community relations with vocational technical high schools and other technical programs throughout the community at large
Partner with operations to represent the company at recruitment fairs and external talent acquisition events and opportunities

Employee Relations & Engagement:

Serve as a champion of the company’s core values: Teamwork, Integrity, and Velocity, modeling these principles in all interactions
Act as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, addressing concerns and resolving conflicts while ensuring compliance with company policies and labor laws
Drive employee engagement initiatives that enhance morale, improve retention, and foster a positive workplace culture
Analyze annual employee surveys to identify opportunities for improvement and implement action plans to enhance employee satisfaction

HR Policy Development & Compliance:

Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and organizational consistency
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including ongoing monitoring and updates as regulations evolve
Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports using the system of record and Excel to support data-driven decision-making

Training & Development:

Assess skill gaps and design targeted training and development programs to address them
Lead initiatives that promote continuous learning, employee development, and career growth
Oversee annual talent reviews and performance management processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required
5-7 years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of labor laws, HR compliance, and employee engagement strategies
Demonstrated ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment
Proficiency and demonstrated success in talent pipeline development and management
Proficiency in HR systems, data analysis, and Microsoft Excel
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or an equivalent HR certification is preferred
Experience in both non-unionized and unionized environments is a plus

Working Conditions:

Primarily based in an office setting with opportunities for remote work
Occasional travel (<10%) required to support the Pascagoula, MS site, corporate headquarters in Beloit, WI, and other FMD enterprise locations
Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours, as needed, to address urgent matters across a three shift business
Ability to sit for long periods of time as well the ability to navigate on the manufacturing floor safely

Security Requirements:

This position requires access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (U-NNPI), which is restricted to U.S. citizens and is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN). Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (acceptable documents include a U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate) and attest to not holding dual citizenship.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site